Optimism order of the day at Chamber’s EOC

Friday

Feb 22, 2013 at 12:30 PM

Facing bleak times — budget cuts from defense, reduced travel and an ever-tightening city budget — there was an aura of optimism at the 26th annual Indian Wells Valley Economic Outlook Conference and Business Expo on Thursday.

By Cheeto Barreraeditor@ridgecrestca.com

Facing bleak times — budget cuts from defense, reduced travel and an ever-tightening city budget — there was an aura of optimism at the 26th annual Indian Wells Valley Economic Outlook Conference and Business Expo on Thursday.The message: The Navy will continue to innovate, the housing market will stay steady and the power to see your business thrive is as easy as the right business card.“We were very happy over all with the way it turned out,” said Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Nathan Ahle said after the conference concluded. “Those who left before Debbie Allen spoke really missed out. She was outstanding.”Allen was the keynote speaker, highlighting this year’s theme of “Entrepreneurship: The Way Forward.” She has bought and sold numerous million-dollar companies in a diverse range of industries for more than 30 years.Allen followed a full slate of speakers from the local area, which gave their own vision about how Ridgecrest is moving forward.The day started with a recorded greeting from Congressman Kevin McCarthy, followed by the city’s vision for branding Old Town and revitalizing Balsam Street and Ridgecrest Boulevard.It was followed by a look at the Ridgecrest housing market, which according to realtor Clint Freeman, is holding steady. Ridgecrest is in a seller’s market with what he described as a four-month inventory supply.He said Ridgecrest has weathered the foreclosure storm better than other markets. In fact, eight of the top 10 fastest selling markets are in California and all of them had serious problems with foreclosures.Freeman said Ridgecrest shouldn’t see a turbulent 2013 when it comes to home sales, but a steady path that may take a few unexpected turns and bumps, but it should be consistent.The item most of the conference came to see was the Navy, especially as Ridgecrest waits with baited breath the outcome of possible sequestration cuts, and with them furloughs and travel restrictions that promise to negatively impact the local economy.Allen was a cheery woman who got the audience engaged in what she said, to the point she had two men racing across the room to grab a copy of her book before the other could grab it.But it was a strong metaphor for how the rest of the conference went: We face the very real disappointment that what we want could be gone when we try to grab it; but there is that chance that if we try hard enough, we maybe could be the one walking away with a book about how to succeed.If we try hard enough, and put in the necessary effort, maybe Inyokern Airport could become one of just six Unmanned Aerial Systems test sites in the country. If we try hard enough, local schools can help turn out more science, technology, engineering and math students and more students will be on a path to a four-year degree. If we try hard enough, maybe while the rest of the nation’s military bases struggle to conform to the reality of reduced budgets, China Lake will work hard enough to continue to be the innovation leader in the country.“Our challenge in the Navy is to look at what we own today and understand what the threats are for tomorrow and figure out how to use the stuff we’ve already got differently. That’s all we can do,” said Scott O’Neil, the executive director for NAWCWD. “That’s an opportunity for NAWCWD. I think we know how to innovate and to use the stuff we got better than anybody else. I see the defense budget going down as an opportunity.” O’Neil stressed that people at NAWCWD already have ideas for how to adapt and how to utilize the materials the base already has to meet the ever evolving needs of the warfighter.Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union CEO and past Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Eric Bruen said he was going to share that quote with his board because it was a good attitude to take in tough times.“Scott’s words were more honest and real,” Bruen said.Rear Adm. Paul Sohl added it will take an entire community to meet the challenges that face China Lake, saying Ridgecrest plus the base equals one China Lake community.“I will tell you, we need you as much as you need us,” Rear Adm. Sohl said.As the Navy gave way to the keynote speaker, the optimism and energy didn’t wane.Allen got the audience laughing and thinking as she challenged some convential thinking.She is a best selling author and is among the top 3 percent of professional women speakers worldwide.Allen talked largely about how to grow your company and how to always be looking for ways to market yourself. She talked about getting out of your comfort zone and thinking outside the box.True to her words, Allen relayed a story about going on the Howard Stern Show to promote a book. Not only did she leave the interview with her dignity intact — something that Stern is notorious for, especially when it comes to embarrassing women — he promoted her book and it went to Amazon’s bestseller list within an hour of the show. Allen hit on the things that she sees that drives down business:• Running a business as a hobby• Staying busy with unproductive tasks• Not staying up with marketing.Allen said it is important that businesses find ways to continue to stay relevant, continue to show off what makes the business unique, or else you risk getting left behind by a competitor who embraces new marketing strategies.